Nigel residents have raised concerns about the ongoing overgrown grass and poor maintenance at Nigel Cemetery, alleging that the municipality has failed to attend to the site since last year.

One of the affected residents, Angel Ismaels (40), said her family is distressed by the deteriorating condition of their loved one’s grave.

“We buried our family member here in January last year, and I expected the grave to be properly maintained, at least for the first year. But when I visited recently, the grass was overgrown, and the grave looked neglected. It is very upsetting to see our loved ones’ resting place in this condition. We understand that maintenance takes effort, but this is a place of respect, and it should not be left like this,” she said.

Another resident, Lina Mthombeni, expressed frustration at what she described as a lack of responsibility from the municipality.

“The cemetery is a sacred space for families, yet the municipality seems to be ignoring its duty. The grass is overgrown, the paths are difficult to walk on, and it’s becoming impossible for people to properly visit their loved ones. We have been patient, but it feels like our concerns are not being taken seriously. This place deserves care and attention, not neglect,” she said.

Residents said the overgrown grass makes it difficult to access graves and undermines the dignity of the cemetery, leaving many families disappointed and frustrated.

They are now calling on the municipality to urgently address the issue, warning that continued neglect could further damage the cemetery and deepen the community’s sense of disrespect.

Locals say regular maintenance, clear communication, and a visible plan of action from the municipality would go a long way in restoring trust and ensuring that the cemetery remains a dignified and accessible space for mourning and remembrance.

The CoE was approached for comment; however, no response had been received at the time of publication.